Febloguary Day 3 (Lizzie Grace)

 This girl.  I cannot adequately express the delight she is.  God has created her to be mature far beyond her years, compassionate, discerning, kind, generous, a servant, joyful, hopeful, sensitive, smart, tender, a good friend, passionate, a bookworm, and absolutely beautiful.

Over the past couple of years, we have asked a great deal from this seven year old, and in every situation she has responded with grace, as she has trusted us to lead her.  This has been amazing to watch.  Lizzie, more than her sisters, had a deep relationship with Momma.  At the age of two Lizzie was already engaging in intriguing conversations with her Nana; they just "clicked" and both really enjoyed being together.  Therefore, Momma's decline and now absence have impacted Lizzie uniquely.  The love that my sweet girl poured out over her Nana until the very end was phenomenal.  She would sit next to her and just hold her hand and tell her how beautiful she was and tell her stories, and just be with her with absolutely no response, except for an occasional smile that I believe was reserved just for Nana's Lizzie Girl.  Elizabeth Grace loves well.  She is able to lavish love without expectation of receiving anything in return.   I'm learning from her. This is clearly from the Lord, and I stand in awe as I watch Him working in her life.

Lizzie has also proven her trust as we began our homeschool journey.  While all of her friends were thrilled to be starting kindergarten, we dropped the bomb that she would be starting first grade, and at home.  We listened to her desire for community, and we wanted that as well.  Our family has found a great fit for us in Classical Conversations, and Lizzie thrives in this atmosphere.  It is beautiful to see her soaking up knowledge, weekly standing before her peers and giving an oral presentation, growing in her ability to communicate with both her peers as well as those younger and older, applying the information she is learning in various situations such as literature and current events, and all around LOVING to learn!

Reading is Lizzie's passion.  It really doesn't matter what the subject matter is, if it is printed on paper, she devours it.  The past couple of days her selections have included a Boxcar Children, The Little Princess (Mommy, why do they speak English in India? me: Well, England once took over India, and-  oh, right, British Queen Victoria ruled over India.), the Bible, a National Geographic joke book, a book about Austria, the entire Rodeo Program, Tuesdays at the Caste (our freshly completed read aloud that she is now allowed to read solo), an American Girl Mystery, and whatever else was available to her, depending on her location in the house or car.  It is delightful to watch her get sucked into a story.  It is dreadful to pull her out! Books have been taken away at times to remind her of the rest of the world that is spinning around her.  However, the gift of reading with ease and loving every moment is precious.  We do our best to fan the flame of her love for reading.

Lizzie has enjoyed taking dance this year!  Last season she began with ballet and did a super job.  She has now transitioned into jazz and is having a blast with it as well.  She is a hard worker, and it is great to see her applying herself in something that challenges her mind and body.

When we pluck a book from her hand, Lizzie can be found riding her bike, taking care of her goats, experimenting with her Rainbow Loom, taking pictures,drawing and creating, making funny videos with her sisters, and listening to the Frozen soundtrack.  She also is quick to help out with Liv, pitch in where there is a need around the house, and to serve our family as she is able.  It is very rare that you will hear Lizzie complain, as she delights to put others above herself.

 I am blessed to be Lizzie's mommy.  She loves me well.  She trusts me.  She is a gift!